MANAGER Mark Yates was delighted to see his side start the Blue Square Premier with a win, after watching his side edge Hayes and Yeading 1-0 at Aggborough.

Matthew Barnes-Homer's 35th minute strike was enough to sink the newly promoted side.

While victory was deserved, the hosts were worried by the visitors, who wasted two late chances to punish poor Harriers defending.

"The victory was the positive out of the game," commented Yates.

"It was hot and Hayes and Yeading made it difficult for us and we didn't find our rhythm so all-in-all we've got three points.

"I think we've had a really good pre-season, the boys have worked really hard and it's difficult when we've got a lot of new boys coming in.

"They took it all on board and put in some excellent performances in pre-season.

"Although we deserved the win I think they had some chances at the end and with better finishing I could have been talking about a defeat. I'm happy to get off to a good start."

While Barnes-Homer's classy strike ensured victory, Yates felt that there was more to come from the 23-year-old, who was last season's top scorer with 21-goals.

He said: "Matthew will score goals believe me, he looks strong, quick and confident.

"I didn't think he had the best of games, not in the sense of doing anything wrong but he didn't stretch them enough.

"I think he wanted to chauffeur the ball and have a comfortable day.

"I thought that his pace could have hurt them if he got in behind but he scored and showed touches of what a quality player he is.

"I think he could have done a little bit more but I'm I'm just nit-picking."

The manager is still hoping to bring in another striker to bolster his goal-scoring options. Harriers only have Darryl Knights, Aaron Farrell and Barnes-Homer in the forwards department.

Chris McPhee played up front and produced a performance full of guile and vision against Hayes and Yeading.

Yates added: "I want to bring a striker in, we've got the funds for it. We've been after one in particular and we'll see what the week brings.

"Hopefully we'll get him sooner rather than later."


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